ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry is calling on micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) to join this year’s Star Awards. Capiz DTI Provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes said the Capiz Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council is now accepting nominations for the SME Rising Star and the SME Star Elite Awards.

The SME Star programs support and strengthen capabilities of MSMEs and recognize outstanding enterprises showing the most remarkable achievements in growing their businesses to become globally competitive enterprises.

In 2011, Capiz Small Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative (CASCOFAMCO) was recognized as Capiz’s outstanding small enterprise by the DTI and the Provincial SMED Council.

Peaceful observance

CEBU CITY – The police yesterday said that Cebu's observance of the Holy Week and celebration of Easter Sunday were relatively peaceful with no major crimes or incidents recorded during those days. Large crowds gathered in many places for religious activities on Sunday in celebration of Easter Sunday but not a single crime related to the celebration was reported.

Police officials in Cebu City and Cebu Province reported a peaceful celebration in their territories. “It was generally peaceful with no untoward incident. The crowd was also very manageable,” Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said. (Mars Mosqueda)

Cosmetic Factory

LILOAN, Cebu– Aiming to penetrate the Luzon market, Cebu-based cosmetics enterprise, GT will open a factory in Marilao, Bulacan in May, founder Leonora Salvane said. The Bulacan manufacturing plant will have the same production capacity as the plant in Liloan, that is, 4,000 soaps /day.

“Our upcoming Bulacan plant is a positive sign that the beauty and wellness industry is booming,” Salvane said, adding that “in Luzon, we have a higher end market to tap.”(Phoebe Jen Indino)

G.K. Housing

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) - This year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge is eyeing the building of 50 houses for the homeless in Amlan, Negros Oriental in five days, starting yesterday. Working closely with GK organizers, Amlan town has offered a three hectare lot for 50 houses for tropical storm Sendong victims. Each GK house costs P110,000 with 22 square meter floor area in a 60-sqm lot per area.

GK has allocated P13 million for as much as 120 houses for Amlan. The five-day challenge addresses social issues behind poverty through house-building, refurbishing public schools, community health or medical mission, children’s activity, clean up and greening projects.

New Product

CEBU CITY, Cebu – Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) has launched in Cebu its light version of flagship product GSM Blue, to satisfy changing market taste and attract a younger generation. GSMI Blue Lines general manager Lori Infante said while GSMI products have been around for a long time, the company has to keep up with moves of rival brands to capture the huge young (18-24-year-old) market.

“With the launch of the light gin line, the brand expects to attract a younger market whose tastes are adventurous and highly sophisticated,” Infante said. GSM Blue Light is 50-proof sugarcane alcohol. (Malou M. Mozo)